I Hate My Ears!

It is true the appearance of someone’s reflection can cause troubled feelings even to the point of considering surgery. Young children often feel these emotions early in life from teasing. The decision to undergo changes with the help of a surgeon is a personal one. Many talk of changing their nose but just as many are concerned about their ears. Otoplasty is a surgery to change the appearance of ones ears, by either pinning them back, bringing them closer to the head, or reducing the size, to reshaping the bends in the cartilage to change the look. Otoplasty does not affect one’s ability to hear in any way.

What one should expect before the surgery:
Preparation is very important in many things in life and especially when considering surgery. The first step is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. Visit with them and make sure they understand fully what you are wanting. Do not settle because of price but rather who will do the job you are wanting. It is important to know that most insurance does not cover Otoplasty as if is a cosmetic choice and not medically needed.

After selecting a surgeon, the next step is a consultation. This is time when you will discuss exactly what you are wanting and even why. The surgeon on this visit will examine the ears and discuss different ways to correct or change the ears. Its also determined if Otoplasty is the right choice for you.

If it is found to be the correct steps for you to take, you will then discuss the actual ear procedure. It will include decisions about anesthesia, medical history, cost and recuperative time involved. This is also a good time to think of the pros and cons of having the surgery. It has been found that this particular surgery is easier preformed on children whose cartilage is softer and easier molded to a new form. Adults tend to have a firmer and less molding cartilage.

During the time, awaiting the procedure many physicians will ask that you discontinue the use of aspirin. Aspirin is a known blood thinner and could cause some problems. The night before the procedure, you will be instructed to not eat or drink after midnight. The patient should wear light, comfortable clothing for the day of the actual procedure. Clothing should be chosen to be that which would not need to be pulled on or off the head or touching the ears.

Typically, general anesthesia is used for children undergoing Otoplasty, while anesthetic or a mild sedative is used for adults. Usually the procedure takes one to two hours to perform. Usually an overnight stay is not necessary but can be required. If sent home, someone should be able to stay with the patient at least for the first night.

The actual incisions are usually on the back surface of the ear. That is the natural fold where the ear joins the head. If necessary to make an incision on the front, it is within the folds of the ear so it can be hidden. Internal no removable sutures are used to create and hold the newly shaped cartilage in place. External stitches are used to close the incisions. Ear surgery shows immediate results even with the dressings.

After surgery, some discomfort can be expected and is controlled with pain medications. You may also experience some itching under the soft bandages, it is important to refrain from rubbing the areas. The bandages will be left in place for a few days for full healing. Sleeping may be a bit difficult if you are use to sleeping on your sides. One needs to refrain from putting pressure on the ears for a week or so. Some physicians will suggest using headbands during sleeping to hold the ears in place.

A new improved reflection brings about a self-confidence many strive for. How you feel about yourself is very important and sometimes a change in your facial appearance helps you match the inside to the outside. Deciding to have any, kind of surgery should be thought about carefully for there are risks with any kind of procedure.